UT college dedicates Peyton Manning Classroom

The UT Knoxville College of Communication and Information (CCI) has dedicated a classroom in honor of former Volunteer quarterback and CCI alumnus Peyton Manning.

The dedication of the classroom, located in room 317 of the Communications Building, also marked the inception of the Peyton Manning Communications Enrichment endowment. The fund will provide ongoing support for a variety of educational initiatives within the college’s School of Communication Studies. Manning was the top Speech Communication graduate in Spring 1997, and he received the college’s Hileman Distinguished Alumni Award in 2007.

“While Peyton’s success on the football field is very well known, his success in the classroom as a speech communication (communication studies) student was just as impressive,” said college dean Mike Wirth. “The Peyton Manning Classroom and Communications Enrichment endowment will provide both inspiration and support for future generations of CCI students as they aspire to greatness. They also provide a strong outward symbol of Peyton’s belief in, and strong support of, higher education.”

“Peyton is an outstanding ambassador for the School of Communication Studies as well as the University of Tennessee,” said John Haas, director of CCI’s School of Communication Studies. “His support of our program will allow us to enrich the undergraduate experience for communication studies majors. We are truly grateful for Peyton’s support.”